HE’S IN: Waiting Now For Others

First District Democratic Congressman Bruce Braley emailed supporters Thursday to say he will run to replace long-time U.S. Senator Tom Harkin in 2014. Harkin announced last week he wouldn’t run again when his fifth term expires in two years. Braley said in his email:

Friend –I want you to be the first to know.It’s a big responsibility to represent the people of Iowa in the United StatesSenate, especially after Tom Harkin has shown us how for the last 30 years.But, if you are willing to help me, I’m ready to go.That’s why today, I’m setting up a committee to run for the U.S. Senate.

No other Democrat has come forward to run against Braley. Iowa’s two Republican Congressmen, the 3rd District’s Tom Latham and the 4th District’s Steve King, both have interest. Party leaders fear if both would run for the senate seat, that could lead to a costly primary. Latham’s spokesperson said the two men haven’t sat down to discuss their futures together. He said no talks have been planned yet.